If you're on the hunt for a hearty, delicious, and easy-to-make dinner, look no further than this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe. This dish combines tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich garlic-Parmesan sauce for a meal that’s both satisfying and simple to prepare. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for a meal to enjoy with your family, this recipe will be a hit at the dinner table. Read on for everything you need to know about making this comforting pasta bake, from the ingredients list to the step-by-step cooking instructions, along with tips for perfecting the dish.
What Is Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake?
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake is a creamy, cheesy, and savory dish featuring pasta, cooked chicken, and a flavorful garlic-Parmesan sauce that’s baked until bubbly and golden. It’s a perfect combination of textures and flavors: juicy chicken, al dente pasta, and the richness of Parmesan and cream. This dish is a great option for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or even meal prep for the week ahead.
Ingredients List for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake
To make this delicious pasta bake, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 cups of cooked chicken, shredded or diced (use rotisserie chicken for convenience)
- 12 ounces of pasta (penne, rigatoni, or rotini work well)
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups of grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, shredded (optional, for extra cheesiness)
- 1 cup of heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
- ½ cup of chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons of butter
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried oregano, basil, and thyme)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ¼ cup of fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
- ½ cup of breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
Substitutions and Variations
This recipe is versatile and can be easily adapted to suit your preferences or dietary needs. Here are some popular substitutions and variations:
- Pasta: You can use any pasta shape you like, from traditional penne and rigatoni to gluten-free or whole wheat pasta.
- Cheese: Feel free to substitute the Parmesan with Pecorino Romano or even Gruyère for a slightly different flavor. You can also add more mozzarella for an extra cheesy bake.
- Protein: Swap the chicken for turkey, ham, or even cooked shrimp for a seafood twist.
- Vegetarian Version: Skip the chicken and add more vegetables like sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted bell peppers.
- Cream: For a lighter version, you can replace heavy cream with half-and-half or even whole milk. If you’re dairy-free, try using coconut milk or almond milk with a dairy-free cheese alternative.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now, let’s get into the detailed steps for creating this comforting Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake. This is a straightforward recipe that doesn’t require much prep time, and the oven does most of the work!
How to Cook Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter. Set it aside.
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Be sure to salt the water generously to flavor the pasta. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Prepare the sauce: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
- Add the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Then stir in the heavy cream, Italian seasoning, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. If you want the sauce to be thicker, let it simmer for a few more minutes.
- Combine the pasta and chicken: In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta and chicken together. Pour the garlic-Parmesan sauce over the pasta and chicken, stirring to ensure everything is well coated.
- Assemble the bake: Transfer the pasta and chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese on top, along with the mozzarella cheese if you’re using it.
- Optional breadcrumb topping: For a crispy top, you can mix breadcrumbs with a little melted butter and sprinkle them over the cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is golden brown.
- Garnish: Once out of the oven, sprinkle with fresh parsley for a pop of color and added flavor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the pasta: Make sure to cook your pasta just until al dente, as it will continue cooking in the oven. Overcooked pasta can become mushy in the final dish.
- Burning the garlic: Garlic can burn quickly if cooked on too high heat, which will give your dish a bitter flavor. Keep an eye on it and sauté just until fragrant.
- Not seasoning enough: Be sure to taste your sauce before combining it with the pasta and chicken. Adjust the seasoning as needed with salt and pepper, as this will make a big difference in the final flavor.
- Skipping the rest period: After baking, let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps the sauce thicken and the flavors to meld together.
Serving and Presentation Tips
To make your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake extra special, here are some tips for serving and presentation:
- Serve with a side salad: A light green salad with a lemon vinaigrette pairs perfectly with the richness of the pasta bake.
- Add garlic bread: Garlic bread or breadsticks are a great accompaniment to this dish and perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce.
- Serve in individual portions: For a fancier presentation, spoon the pasta bake into individual ramekins before baking for personalized servings.
Presentation Ideas for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake
To elevate the presentation of this comforting dish, consider these ideas:
- Garnish with fresh herbs: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil on top adds color and freshness.
- Serve in a cast-iron skillet: Bake and serve the dish in a cast-iron skillet for a rustic, homey feel.
- Drizzle with olive oil: A light drizzle of high-quality olive oil before serving can add a touch of richness and flavor.
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe Tips
- Use rotisserie chicken: Save time by using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken. It adds flavor and cuts down on prep work.
- Make it ahead: You can prepare this dish up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake it. Just increase the baking time by 5-10 minutes if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
- Freeze for later: This pasta bake freezes well. Assemble the dish but don’t bake it. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to cook, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
A: Yes! Any short pasta shape like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli works well in this dish. You can also use gluten-free pasta if needed.
Q: How can I make this dish lighter?
A: To make a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, reduce the amount of cheese, or swap in whole wheat or gluten-free pasta.
Q: Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
A: Absolutely! Vegetables like spinach, broccoli, or bell peppers can be added for extra flavor and nutrition. You can sauté them along with the garlic before adding the chicken broth.
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, this dish can be prepared ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to a day before baking. You can also freeze it for longer storage.
Conclusion
The Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake is a comforting, flavorful dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. With tender chicken, creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce, and perfectly baked pasta, this recipe checks all the boxes for a cozy, satisfying meal. Whether you're making it for a weeknight dinner, a special occasion, or meal prepping for the week, this dish is versatile, delicious, and easy to make. Don’t forget to experiment with variations and substitutions to suit your taste preferences. Enjoy this warm and cheesy pasta bake with your loved ones!
PrintGarlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake is a creamy and cheesy dish that's full of flavor. The recipe combines tender chicken, garlic, and pasta, all tossed in a rich Parmesan sauce, then baked to golden perfection. It’s an ideal comfort meal that's quick, easy, and sure to be a family favorite.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded)
- 12 oz pasta (penne or rigatoni)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant.
- Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer until sauce thickens.
- Add cooked chicken and pasta to the sauce; toss to coat.
- Transfer mixture to a greased baking dish. Top with mozzarella cheese.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
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